Vermont Youth Conservation Corps

The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) is a non-profit leadership, service, conservation, and education organization that believes in the values of personal responsibility, hard work, education, and respect for the environment. Through the completion of high priority conservation work, young people expand their job and leadership skills; develop personal values, ethics, and an awareness of social, political, and environmental issues.

Each year, the VYCC hires Corps Members ages 16-24, Crew Leaders, and Assistant Crew Leaders who work, live, and learn together to complete high-priority and meaningful conservation projects such as trail maintenance, carpentry, and backcountry construction. High expectations, hard work, and crew-oriented activities rich with educational experiences draw youth from a variety of backgrounds together to live, work, and grow as a tight-knit community.

Job Opportunities

VYCC2012—A Season with the VYCC
Seeking experienced Crew Leaders, Assistant Crew Leaders, enthusiastic Corps Members and Food & Farm Interns.

Full-Time Job Alert—Now Seeking a a Conservation Program Manager
The VYCC is currently accepting applications for a full-time, year-round Conservation Program Manager Download PDF job description who will be responsible for building a highly motivated team to manage all aspects of the Conservation Program. Individual must be highly organized, have strong communication skills, and be passionate about both the frontline and behind the scenes work of supporting Conservation crews in the field. The successful candidate will exude confidence, have a demonstrated ability to work independently as well as within a close team, and possess a strong desire to build a statewide conservation work and education program. To apply, send your cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to Paul Schmidt.

Crew Leaders: Residential Conservation, Leadership Development, Learn, Earn and Prosper (LEAP), Community, and School Instructor
3, 4, or 5 month positions beginning in April, May, June or August

VYCC Crew Leader Jobs

Leading a crew for the VYCC is an adventure unlike any you've ever had before! As part of a crew leading team, you will serve as a teacher, work supervisor, and a role model for your crew. You will be responsible for building a community, overseeing the health and safety of your crew, and teaching both life and job skills. You will also stretch your comfort zone and bask in the sweet rewards that follow.

Immerse yourself in the natural world.
Be challenged to learn new technical skills.
Develop and refine your leadership skills.
Laugh harder than ever before.
Feel the impact of your crew leading experience for years to come.

Learn More About Each Crew Leadership Type:

Residential CrewsResidential Conservation Crews
Three to five month positions available starting in early April or mid-May and running until late August or late September
The Residential Conservation Crew experience is an opportunity to connect deeply with the natural world, as the crew is immersed in the outdoors for four to seven weeks. These backcountry crews either live, work, and learn in one location for the entire session, focusing on one specific project, or travel to different locations throughout the state of Vermont completing a variety of conservation projects. Possible project opportunities include watershed restoration, trail building, historic preservation, invasive species removal, stone staircase building, and bridge construction. Residential Crew Leaders must have a strong desire and ability to educate, train, manage, and counsel the crew in both work and communal living in a backcountry setting and front country setting. They must also have the ability to teach backcountry living skills, be trained in basic first aid and CPR, and the desire to foster a strong sense of community and environmental stewardship.

Leadership Development CrewsLeadership Development Crews
Mid-May to late August
Leadership Development Crews offer a unique and exciting opportunity for individuals to refine their leadership skills. These crews are smaller in numbers, and are composed of older individuals who want to become stronger leaders. Leadership Development Crew Leaders are responsible for facilitating a rigorous curriculum while managing technical projects. In 2012, the VYCC will employ two Leadership Development Crews: one comprised of both males and females, and one comprised of all females.

LEAP: Learn, Earn and ProsperLEAP: Learn, Earn and Prosper
Mid-May to late August
LEAP is a program that provides an independent living and vocational training experience for youth with visual impairments. During the first four weeks the crew lives in Burlington, Vermont (an urban setting) and works with a local organization 4 days a week and completes a service project on the 5th day. During the second session an inclusive crew of youth with and without visual impairments live in VYCC lean-tos and works on conservation projects on VYCC property for three weeks. LEAP Crew Leader applicants with experience working with the blind and visually impaired community is preferred, but not required.

Non-Residential CrewsCommunity Crews
Mid-May to late August
Community Crews offer Corps Members and Crew Leaders the opportunity to make a positive impact by completing projects in and around their hometown. Leaders live on their own (room and board are not provided), commute to their worksite during the week, and have nights and weekends free. They meet their crew each morning at their crew base and drive to the worksite in a VYCC van. In addition to the projects, each workday holds many opportunities for building technical skills, exploring new places in your local community, educational opportunities, and learning from others on your crew.

School InstructorSchool Instructor
August through July; full year contract
Every day, for 3-4 hours, you will serve as a school instructor, work supervisor, crew leader, and mentor to your students. Through projects, you will teach basic workplace skills of personal responsibility, being prepared, reaching goals, taking initiative, and testing leadership skills. The project-based learning curriculum that you create—independently and in a team environment—will cover academic content while being rooted in the land, traditions, and communities of Vermont.

Corps Members
4 or 7 week positions beginning in April, June or August

Corps Member Jobs

As a VYCC Corps Member, you need to be prepared to work hard and learn more than you could possibly imagine about your surroundings and yourself. Different crew types offer an array of challenges, responsibility, and commitment. Whatever crew you choose, you can be assured of meaningful projects, new friends, educational activities, and high-quality leaders.

Farm & Food Program Internships
6-Month Residential Program (mid-April to October); February 15th application deadline

Farm & Food Program Internships

The Farm & Food Program Intern position is a 6-month residential position that will provide you with the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about farming, Vermont's food system, and the link between food, education and community. Responsibilities consist of all aspects of the farm including soil health, greenhouse seedling production, field crop planting, irrigation, weeding, harvesting, delivering produce, building and repairing new farm infrastructure and raising livestock. Receive a weekly stipend, room and partial board (CSA share, eggs, chicken), health coverage and an AmeriCorps education award upon completion.

A Day in the Life

Learn more about the VYCC field staff and corps member experience in their own words. Watch more videos »

Perks & Rewards Great benefits working for the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps

Benefits of working for VYCC

$380-$515 per week wage depending on experience, room & board, and training stipend

Benefits of working for VYCC

$1,000 scholarship available to all VYCC alumni accepted to Sterling College in Craftsbury Common, VT

Benefits of working for VYCC

AmeriCorps education award (for qualifying positions)

Benefits of working for VYCC

Discounts at local businesses and pro-deal purchases

Benefits of working for VYCC

Exceptional work environment: live and work in the Green Mountains of Vermont!

The Essentials

VYCC is looking for you!

Crew Leader Minimum Requirements:

Minimum age of 20 years old for Assistant Crew Leader and 22 years old for Crew Leader position

Trail work, carpentry, and or watershed work experience preferred

Leadership experience with diverse groups of young people; outdoor leadership experience preferred

Ability to adapt and be flexible in a variety of situations

Strong work ethic and ability to work long days in challenging conditions

Maturity, optimism and a sense of humor

Belief in the VYCC's mission to teach personal responsibility

Red Cross Standard first aid/CPR or equivalent (Wilderness First Aid preferred)

Corps Member Requirements:

16–24 years of age (minimum age of 18 for Leadership Development Crews)

Strong desire to join the VYCC and work with others

Open to learning and receiving feedback

Positive attitude and strong work ethic

Ability to work long hours both indoors and outdoors and in all types of weather

Your First Move & Connections

VYCCThe VYCC fills positions on a rolling basis beginning in early January. Preference is given to early applicants. Apply now! Crew Leader applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and at least 3 references along with their application.

VYCC is looking for you!

Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
1949 East Main St.
Richmond, VT 05477
(802) 434-3969 ext. 200
(802) 434-3985 fax
info@vycc.org
www.vycc.org

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